Empowering Youth and Shaping the Future
As representatives of Southeast Queens, we witness firsthand the tremendous potential of our young people. Yet, far too often, opportunity remains out of reach, particularly in exciting, high-growth industries like aviation.
The Vision: JFK STEAM Center
To bridge this gap, we propose the creation of a Queens STEAM Center at JFK Airport, modeled after the successful Brooklyn Navy Yard STEAM Center. This Center wouldn’t be just another educational facility; it would be a launchpad for the futures of countless Southeast Queens students.
The Program
We envision a program where high school students from different schools across our community immersed themselves in the aviation and technology industries for a year. Using state-of-the-art equipment, they’d explore diverse roles within the industry, from air traffic control to aircraft maintenance to cyber security.
Breaking Barriers
The aviation industry faces a significant lack of diversity, with unacceptable numbers regarding gender, race, and ethnicity. The Queens STEAM Center aims to break down barriers and motivate a new generation of diverse aviation professionals by exposing them to leadership and career opportunities.
Career Roadmaps and Resources
The Center will equip students with the skills, resources, and networks needed to thrive in the industry. This includes:
- Professional development
- Industry expertise courses
- Access to flight simulators
- Career roadmaps, highlighting current job openings
- Partnerships with industry associations
Long-Term Impact
After completing the program, we envision our students graduating with work experience that prepares them to get paid internships, prior learning credits, and to launch careers at JFK Airport! The Center wouldn’t just launch careers; it would build a supportive community around our students, fostering connections with industry professionals and peers.
Why Now?
This is a moment of extraordinary opportunity as JFK Airport undergoes a $19 billion renovation, with significant investments from the private sector. We have the chance to use this spotlight to attract stakeholders to anchor their commitment to this community and build a pipeline of students into careers in their industries.
Conclusion
This investment in our youth is an investment in the future of Southeast Queens and the aviation industry itself. The Queens STEAM Center is a chance to empower our students and ensure Southeast Queens soars alongside JFK Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What would the Queens STEAM Center cost?
A: To be determined, but anticipated to be a multi-year investment.
Q: Will the Center be exclusively available to students from Southeast Queens?
A: Yes, with a focus on those from underrepresented backgrounds to increase diversity in the industry.
Q: What partners have expressed interest in participating?
A: Leading companies at JFK Airport have committed to inform curriculum development and open doors for future opportunities.
Q: Will prior learning credits be recognized in colleges and universities?
A: Yes, approved through the New York State Department of Education as a certified CTE program.
